Living Legends Foundation Celebrates 35 Years of Black Music Excellence with Star-Studded Atlanta Gala

The historic celebration honored influential executives, cultural pioneers, and entertainment visionaries whose contributions continue to shape the legacy and future of Black music.

The Living Legends Foundation marked an extraordinary milestone as music industry executives, entertainers, radio personalities, and cultural trailblazers gathered at Flourish by Legendary in Atlanta for its 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala.

The evening was more than a celebration of longevity. It was a powerful tribute to the individuals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have shaped Black music and entertainment, often from behind the scenes.

With legendary vocalist Chaka Khan serving as Honorary Ambassador and Grammy-nominated singer Q Parker as Honorary Gala Chair, the celebration brought together generations of talent and leadership to recognize 35 years of cultural influence.

Honoring the Architects Behind Black Entertainment

For more than three decades, the Living Legends Foundation has worked to recognize the executives, broadcasters, entrepreneurs, and advocates responsible for advancing Black music while providing support to industry professionals and creating opportunities for future leaders.

Foundation Chairman David Linton reflected on the organization’s legacy and his personal commitment to its mission.

“It has taken a moment to truly reflect on what it means to give 35 uninterrupted years of your life to something you believe in,” Linton shared, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the music industry and the foundation throughout its history.

Among the evening’s most celebrated moments was the recognition of Louis Carr, President of BET, who received the prestigious Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award.

Carr’s decades of leadership in Black media, marketing, and entertainment have helped expand opportunities for Black creatives and storytellers. Actress Porscha Coleman, known for her role in Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas, delivered a heartfelt tribute highlighting his influence across generations.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, Ray Harris personally presented the award bearing his name.

Phylicia Fant, Global Director of Black Music + Culture at Amazon Music, received the Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award, presented by Q Parker.

The Black Promoters Collective was recognized with the A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award for its contributions to live entertainment and the advancement of Black ownership within the industry.

Atlanta radio legend Greg Street received the Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award, while veteran programming executive Kenny Smoov was honored with the Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award.

Other honorees included Juliette Jones, COO of Alamo Records, who received the Impact Player Award, and Tim Reid, former Senior Vice President of Repertoire & Marketing at BMG Recorded Music, who was recognized with the Music Executive Award. In a particularly meaningful moment, Reid received his award from his father, acclaimed actor and filmmaker Tim Reid Sr.

Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Visionaries and Cultural Innovators

Hip-hop’s influence and the individuals responsible for building its foundation were also prominently recognized throughout the evening.

Ted Lucas, founder and CEO of Slip-N-Slide Records, received the Hip-Hop Visionary Award, celebrating his role in developing influential artists and helping elevate Southern hip-hop.

Ralph McDaniels, creator of the groundbreaking television program Video Music Box, received the Entrepreneur Award for his pioneering contributions to hip-hop media and visual storytelling.

Entertainment attorney and ART@WAR Entertainment CEO James McMillan, Esq. was honored with the Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award, recognizing his longstanding commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of artists and creative professionals.

Together, the honorees represented the extraordinary range of talent, leadership, and advocacy that has sustained Black music across generations.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Legacy

The anniversary gala attracted an impressive gathering of familiar faces from music, television, radio, and entertainment.

Among those in attendance were Donell Jones, Jacob Latimore, Nicci Gilbert, Porscha Coleman, Jessica Woo, Johnell Young, Ragan Whiteside, Tim Reid Sr., Daphne Maxwell Reid, Pat “Sleepy” Brown, Ray Murray, Polow Da Don, Shannon Brown, Paul Anthony, and Stephen “S Dot” Green.

Music industry leaders also joined the celebration, including Michael Mauldin, Wardell Malloy, Ron “Tricky” Montgomery, ONE Musicfest founder Jason “J.” Carter, Maurice “Moetown” Lee, and Steve Canal.

The evening further highlighted the essential role of radio and media in preserving and advancing Black music culture.

Attendees included Steve Hegwood of Streetz 94.5, Monica Barnes of The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Gary Wit Da Tea of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Jamal Ahmad of WCLK FM, and V-103 representatives Rick Caffey, Reggie Rouse, Francesca Amiker, Tori Starr, and Skye Butterfli.

Their presence reinforced the connection between the artists who create the music, the executives who champion it, and the media professionals who introduce it to audiences around the world.

35 Years of Honoring the Past and Investing in the Future

Founded in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation has remained committed to preserving Black music history while recognizing the contributions of individuals who have helped transform the entertainment landscape.

Under the leadership of Chairman David Linton and President Azim Rashid, the organization continues to champion its mission of honoring industry pioneers, supporting professionals, and investing in emerging leaders.

The milestone celebration was supported by numerous corporate partners, including Alamo Records, Amazon Music, Universal Music Group, BET, Black Promoters Collective, BMG, Warner Music Group, Republic Records, Rolling Out, and other industry organizations.

As the Living Legends Foundation enters its next chapter, the significance of its work extends beyond awards and recognition.

The 35th Anniversary Gala served as a reminder that Black music’s global influence did not happen by accident. It was built through the vision, sacrifices, creativity, and determination of countless individuals whose contributions deserve to be celebrated.

Because behind every legendary sound is a legacy of people who made sure the world could hear it. And after 35 years, the Living Legends Foundation continues making sure those names are never forgotten.